Addressing premature ejaculation often involves a combination of medical treatments, psychological interventions, and self-help techniques. The right approach depends on the underlying cause and individual preferences.
Physical Condition Causes
Treating the Underlying Condition: If a physical condition, such as a thyroid disorder or prostate inflammation, is causing premature ejaculation, addressing that specific condition can resolve the issue. This might involve medications, lifestyle changes, or other medical interventions.
Psychological Causes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy can help individuals identify and change negative patterns of thought and behaviour that may be contributing to premature ejaculation.
Counselling: This can help address relationship issues, past trauma, or anxiety about sexual performance. It can be done individually or with a partner.
Self-help Techniques
- Masturbation: Masturbating an hour or two before intercourse can help delay ejaculation during sex.
- Thick Condoms: Using condoms designed to reduce sensitivity can help delay ejaculation.
- Pause-Squeeze Technique: This involves pausing during sex and squeezing the base of the penis to reduce arousal. It can be repeated as needed.
- Deep Breathing: This can help in delaying the ejaculation reflex by reducing arousal and tension.
- Sex Positions: Some positions, like having the partner on top, can reduce the sensitivity and arousal level, helping to delay ejaculation.
- Distraction Methods: Focusing on non-sexual thoughts or images during intercourse can help reduce arousal and delay ejaculation.
Couples Therapy
Exploring Relationship Issues: Addressing underlying relationship problems can help improve sexual communication and reduce performance anxiety.
Techniques to “Unlearn” Premature Ejaculation Habits: This involves learning to identify and control the sensations leading up to ejaculation.
Medications
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Drugs like Dapoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, and Fluoxetine can delay orgasm. While they are primarily used to treat depression, their side effect of delayed ejaculation can be beneficial for PE.
- Anaesthetic Creams and Sprays: Products containing Lidocaine or Prilocaine can be applied to the penis to reduce sensitivity. They should be used in conjunction with a condom to prevent numbing a partner.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors: Some men find that medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) can help delay ejaculation.
- Analgesics: Drugs like Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, can delay ejaculation. However, they should be used with caution due to potential side effects and dependency issues.